$20 Million West Africa Democracy Fund Launched to Strengthen Democratic Engagement and Governance in the Region
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The Ford Foundation, alongside the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and Open Society Foundations, has launched the West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF), a $20 million initiative aimed at enhancing democracy in West Africa.
As detailed in a recent statement, this three-year fund is specifically designed to tackle the democratic challenges facing the region and promote increased citizen engagement in political transitions.
“The West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) is intended to reimagine, renew, and strengthen democracy across the region.” It will support West African countries grappling with various democratic issues, focusing on activities that encourage citizens to engage with political and democratic processes.
Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, emphasized the collaborative essence of the initiative, stating, “I am grateful for the collaboration among our philanthropic, civil society, and government partners. The launch of the West Africa Democracy Fund reflects the aspirations of the West African people as they strive to reinforce democratic foundations and create a more resilient future.”
Walker also pointed out the connection between the decline of democracy and the rise of inequality in the region, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive solutions. He asserted, “Greater citizen participation in democratic processes is essential to achieving a peaceful and inclusive democracy that empowers individuals, fosters a just society, and contributes to greater prosperity and economic stability.”
Dr. Kole Shettima, Director of the Nigeria Office of the MacArthur Foundation, has highlighted the significant challenges confronting democratic movements in West Africa. During discussions surrounding the recently launched West Africa Democracy Fund, he emphasized the pressing issues that hinder the advancement of democracy in the region.
He noted that in West Africa, the demand for democracy is not met by its availability. He observed that opposition to military rule has weakened across the continent, leading to increased abuses of power by those in authority, with citizens bearing the consequences. Shettima expressed optimism that the newly launched West Africa Democracy Fund would help fulfill West Africans’ aspirations for democratic benefits, fostering a more just, peaceful, and sustainable region.
Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programmes at Open Society Foundations, emphasized the cultural foundations of democracy in West Africa, stating, “Democracy is an ideal deeply embedded in the traditions and cultures of the people. It reflects the aspirations of the youth.”
He further asserted that the struggle for a more democratic West Africa is intrinsically linked to the region’s liberation from imperialism, neo-colonialism, and external influences.
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa, highlighted that the fund’s development involved significant engagement with local stakeholders. She stated, “The West Africa Democracy Fund is the outcome of extensive dialogue with local leaders and civil society organizations. The solutions we pursue through this fund will be homegrown, addressing the needs and aspirations of the people, and driven by their own efforts.”
The statement outlined that the West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) will allocate grants to support initiatives that promote inclusive democracy. These initiatives will include multi-stakeholder dialogues and regional collaborations with organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Additionally, the fund aims to strengthen essential state institutions, including the judiciary, to enhance democratic governance in the region.
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